Silicone Suction Catheter

Suction Catheters Respiratory support in ICUs

Description & Best Practices for Use

** What Is a Suction Catheter?**

A suction catheter is a sterile, flexible or rigid medical tube inserted into a patient's airway (e.g., trachea, bronchi, oropharynx) to remove secretions and maintain airway patency. 

** Types & Selection Insights:**

Yankauer (Rigid) – Ideal for oropharyngeal suctioning; sturdy and precise, standard in surgical and emergency settings. 

Soft/Flexible Catheters – Made of PVC or silicone, gentle on airway tissues; suitable for tracheal or tracheostomy suctioning and long-term applications.

Closed Suction Systems – Allow suctioning while maintaining a ventilator connection, reducing infection risk and preserving ventilation. Available in Y-, L-, and T-shaped variants.

** Key Features to Highlight:**

Rounded, atraumatic tips with side eyes reduce tissue trauma. Color-coded connectors aid rapid size identification (e.g., 06 Fr = Light Green, 14 Fr = Green). 

Control valves enable precise suction regulation—critical in ICU, pediatric, and neonatal care.

** Clinical Usage & Safety Guidelines:**

Choose a catheter no more than 50% of the airway internal diameter (measured in French). 

Limit suction duration to ≤ 15 seconds and allow reoxygenation between attempts to reduce hypoxia. 

Follow strict sterile technique and patient monitoring to avoid complications like mucosal trauma, infection, and bradycardia.